Chapter 103: A Lingering Feeling of Deception

Though he praised him inwardly, the White Bear maintained a cold, indifferent facade as he spoke to Xi Yan: “Your request is a bit excessive, but not impossible. It depends on how many points you can offer.”

Xi Yan smiled faintly, silently mocking the White Bear’s cunning. “The information I want is related to the Eighth Survival Zone. How many points do you think that’s worth?”

Upon hearing Xi Yan’s words, the White Bear’s expression immediately changed—at least that was Xi Yan’s impression, though it’s hard to read much from a face covered in white fur.

The White Bear promptly refused Xi Yan’s request. “I can’t provide that. After all, I’ve never left this place. The only information I can offer is about this area.”

Xi Yan had anticipated this outcome. His earlier question had been more of a trial, so he wasn’t too disappointed.

“I want to know what we’ll encounter in the next zone—the Swing Zone,” Xi Yan asked.

The White Bear visibly relaxed at this question and replied promptly: “That zone is very dangerous, even more so than the roller coaster zone you passed through earlier. But to get that answer, you’ll need to pay 50,000 points. Are you sure you want to pay?”

Fifty thousand points—that was quite a steep price!

Xi Yan reconsidered and switched questions. “Has anyone successfully left the Swing Zone?”

The White Bear nodded. “Yes, though not many. That’s not much of a problem for you, so consider it a freebie from me. Any other questions?”

Xi Yan shook his head, choosing not to engage further.

Behind Xi Yan, Ayuan, who had been quietly observing the exchange, quickly guessed the underlying reason and covered her mouth to stifle a laugh.

Sensing Ayuan’s soft chuckle behind him, Xi Yan turned around and affectionately ruffled her hair.

Seeing that Xi Yan had no more questions, the White Bear felt a twinge of disappointment. No questions meant fewer points earned.

Not long after, another White Bear arrived, carrying the unconscious Qing Yan before the group.

Xi Yan, noticing Lin Shuang’s unconscious state, immediately demanded, “What happened to Lin Shuang? What did you do to him?”

The White Bear beside Xi Yan turned to the other White Bear. Xi Yan could tell from their low growls that they were exchanging words.

“No big deal. Your friend just fainted. My subordinate couldn’t revive her, so we had to bring her here unconscious.”

Relieved that Lin Shuang was unharmed, Xi Yan exhaled deeply and helped wake him.

Still dazed, Lin Shuang struggled to understand what had occurred. She remembered fighting a White Bear before suddenly passing out. Beyond that, she had no recollection.

Xi Yan explained the situation to her, and only then did she understand.

Lin Shuang wasn’t overly concerned about Bai Ke demanding points. If the White Bear was truthful and paying points meant safely passing through the zone, she was willing. Safety was worth far more than points.

Lin Shuang approached the White Bear, shifting her gaze between the two bears before settling on the one who had first communicated with Xi Yan.

“That’s 20,000 points total, right?” she asked.

The White Bear shook his head fiercely. “Thirty thousand points, thirty thousand. You three—do I look like I don’t count?”

Lin Shuang looked helplessly at Xi Yan. “Ayuan, she…”

“Ayuan’s points and mine—please help us pay. I’ll repay you later,” Xi Yan said with a smile.

“But she…”

“Please,” Xi Yan interrupted.

Lin Shuang wanted to protest that Ayuan wasn’t human, but before she could finish, Xi Yan cut her off. Resigned, she paid the 30,000 points.

Xi Yan’s interruption stemmed from his belief that Ayuan was fully human. He didn’t want her to feel like a mere card to be traded.

Ten thousand points was nothing; Xi Yan was confident he’d earn that back soon enough.

The point payment process was the same as when they first entered the park.

Once the points were transferred, the White Bear showed no hesitation. After confirming the payment, he said, “Follow this path and you can leave the Skiing Zone directly.”

“Is there nothing else on the way?” Xi Yan asked.

The White Bear shook his head. “No. The Skiing Zone is under my control. Since you’ve paid, no other White Bears will stop you ahead.”

The three exchanged doubtful glances but had no other choice but to trust and proceed.

The White Bear watched them leave.

Following the path, the trio soon saw the exit gate of the Skiing Zone.

They exchanged looks. Lin Shuang said, surprised, “And the White Bear’s words were true—no obstacles or dangers on this path.”

Unlike Lin Shuang’s surprise, Xi Yan felt cheated. His expression darkened as he looked at her. “Something doesn’t feel right.”

Lin Shuang frowned, puzzled.

Xi Yan continued, “Don’t you think maybe this path was never dangerous? Only that White Bear was.”

“But wasn’t that White Bear dangerous?” Lin Shuang asked.

Xi Yan shook his head, pacing thoughtfully and pressing a finger to his lips. “I think those two White Bears weren’t really aggressive. It seems they were just scamming points.”

“Why do you say that?” Lin Shuang asked.

Xi Yan sighed. “It’s just a hunch. I feel like this zone between the other two—the one they call the Skiing Zone—is deliberately misleading. It’s the safest zone, but also a fake one.”

“The roller coaster zone we passed and the upcoming Swing Zone might actually be the most dangerous.”

Lin Shuang didn’t dwell on his theory. “Don’t think so much. Whether it’s a scam or not, we’ve safely left. Now we just need to get through the Swing Zone and we’re out.”

Xi Yan smiled, admitting to himself that perhaps he was overthinking. The points were already spent; there was no use worrying now.

“Brother, look!” Ayuan pointed excitedly toward the Swing Zone ahead.

Xi Yan, who had been lost in thought and not paying attention, looked up and stared ahead, stunned.